CORNISH Rebel has been the subject of some significant support ahead of Saturday’s Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury.

Course specialist Self Defense is reported to be in good form ahead of his bid for back-to-back victories in the Agfa UK Hurdle at Sandown on Saturday.

EMMA LAVELLE believes handicap debutant Self Defense has a realistic chance of upstaging Rooster Booster in the Tote Gold Trophy at Newbury on Saturday.